Searching for Ancestors with an Alzheimer’s Family Member

When someone contacted me for information about my ancestors (I’m a genealogy buff), it brought back memories of searching for these people of long ago with my mom as she began her Alzheimer’s journey.  She was in the early stages, but began to tell more and more stories about her childhood and young adult years.

She liked to visit places connected to these days and tell me stories about the times and the people.  Sometimes it wasn’t convenient to make these forays, but I realized, as I provided information today to another researcher, that I had fond memories of taking these jaunts along memory lane with Mother.

Today when asked about my ancestor, the singer, Mme. Anna Bishop Schultz, I recalled researching her with Mother. One day Mother wanted to find Mme. Anna’s grave, along with those of other Schultz ancestors.  So, on a sunny summer afternoon, we took a drive in search of Mme. Anna.  Someone now is writing a book that mentions Mme. Anna and wondered where her grave is.  Because of that adventure with Mother, I could advise the author where to start the research.

We also looked for old home sites.  Mother showed me where her grandparents once lived and where her mother grew up.  It’s simply an overgrown foundation now, but , along with her stories, gave me insight into my heritage.

Another place we visited was the Old Stone Church.  As long as I can remember, the church was unused and roof nonexistent.  Mother recalled the days her family attended church there.  As she reminisced, I could see she was enjoying this outing and I caught a glimpse of her earlier life.

Sometimes it isn’t convenient to take some short drives with Alzheimer’s family members.  However, I look back now and realize the frustrations and inconveniences were short term.  The experiences brought Mother joy and gave me memories and a sense of my family history.

Not all of you will want to search for ancestors.  There will be, though, short term activities you can engage in until your patient is too forgetful to realize.